Connie Tebyani's Blog - Platinum Home Staging, Inc. Staging and Designing for Los Angeles and Ventura Counties (805) 553-9952

Lessons (and Tips) Learned From Staying in a House For Sale

Sun, 29 Nov 2009 22:32:15 -0600

It has become our family tradition every Thanksgiving that after we've gorged ourselves full of stuffing and pies, to head out to my sister's home for a relaxing weekend in the desert resort city of Rancho Mirage, CA. This year was no different except for one small, or rather HUGE difference, this year the house has been listed for sale.

Now, that didn't mean we couldn't still stay there. My sister and her husband figure that it will take several months to sell this home (there are SEVEN other homes for sale on their street alone!) Even though this home will be sold fully furnished with high end furnishings (most in resort towns are) What it DID mean was that we wouldn't be able to be quite as "relaxed" as we usually are. Inevitably we had to be prepared to have the home shown at a moments notice since many Realtors bring clients to see one house, but since there are SO MANY available they end up looking at each and every one since they are in the neighborhood, and they did: TWICE!

Now, this is no small feet. It was not just my family of four, it was also my sister's family of four, their dog, my brother and our mother in a 4,000+/- square foot home. And I must admit that some of these suggestions will take some forward thinking and planning a head of time to implement. Some are habits that are going to need to be formed, others are bad habits that will need to be broken.

Here are 10 Learned Tips on how to be able to keep a home "show ready" and still be able to live and "relax" all at the same time.

1) Starting with a clean house is a MUST! This house started out spotless, and we needed to keep it that way - but starting off with a beautifully clean, well furnished and Staged home was a huge step forward.

2) Make your beds every day, the very second you get up. I don't mean pull the comforter up so high that it simply covers the pillows and leaves all the sheets in lumps underneath - make it right, make it beautiful, it will be done for the rest of the day.

3) Got kids? If you have an outdoor space or table (weather permitting) where they can do their crafts, legos or even homework it would be ideal and it gets them out of the house. Put a table cloth or sheet on the table which gives them a clean surface even if the table is not. Should a Realtor come knocking, you can simply fold everything up into the table cloth and pack it away quickly. If the weather in your area does not permit this, the same idea can be used indoors. By placing a large towel, sheet or blanket on the floor kids can still spread out but all the tiny little lego pieces, crayons (or whatever) can be collected and dumped into their collection box in seconds.

4) Run your dishwasher every night, or every other night if not full. In the morning, empty the dishwasher while your coffee is brewing. This way you can load all your empty dishes into it throughout the day as you use them, never leaving a dirty dish to be seen in the sink.

5) Paper plates and plastic cups. Yep, I said it; paper plates and plastic cups. If you don't have a dishwasher (or even if you do) if you're not entertaining and it's just you and the kids, why not? Just make sure they go into your recycle bin at the end of the week and not into the local landfill.

6) Squeegees are your friend! How do you keep your windows crystal clear even if the kids have splashed them from the pool or the dog's wet nose has left streaks everywhere? With a little glass cleaner, a large window squeegee can clean an entire sliding glass door, both sides in about 3 minutes flat and that's not rushing.

7) Laundry bins are a MUST in every bedroom. Not only for dirty clothes, but for towels as well. In children's rooms, these are also great to throw toys into at a moment's notice.

8) Laundry bins in living spaces are OK as well! Great looking laundry bins can still fit into today's décor and hide a multitude of sins in seconds. Get a lidded one at your local home décor store, they're great to throw toys or dog toys into within 5 min.

9) Keeping on the subject of laundry, you really should be doing 1-2 loads of laundry everyday while your house is for sale instead of letting it pile up and doing it all on the weekend (when buyers are most likely to come see your house). One load of lights, one load of darks/colors and this will ensure that those laundry bins aren't overflowing by the weekend either.

10) If Fido needs to be home when the home is being shown, it's better to put Fido in the garage for a short period of time then to let them run loose to jump on prospective buyers or put them in a bedroom where buyers can't view the room. Be sure to move their beds into the garage as well and leave them with a small bowl of food and water.

A little bit of planning ahead will save you a large amount of headaches when it comes time to finally put your house on the market for sale. If you're in the Los Angeles or Ventura County areas, call Platinum Home Staging, Inc. and our Professionals will be happy to help walk you through it to Stage and organize your home. (805) 553-9952

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'Twas the month before Clutter-mas (Warning: Reading this may result in an uncomfortable feeling)

Wed, 25 Nov 2009 09:55:15 -0600

This will touch your heart. In the Ventura and Conejo Valley areas might I add that there ARE many homeless children this holiday season: One of my favorite charities is right in our own back yard.

Casa Pacifica is Ventura County's Home for Foster Children. It has more than 75 children living in their facility and oversee over 100 other children that are placed in individual foster homes.

1722 S Lewis Rd
Camarillo, CA 93012
(805) 445-7800

Via Deena Cottingham, Home Stager & Photographer (GreenApple Staging & Images, Calgary Staging & Photography):

‘Twas the month before Clutter-mas, and all through the house
Not a creature could find anything, barely even their spouse.
The stockings were hung by the chimney with greed,
hoping for things that they didn't even need.

The children were nestled with lumps ‘round their beds,
While visions of Mortal Kombat danced through their heads.
Mamma had her list made for quite a long time,
Clothing, perfume, and purses - all the latest designs.

When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter,
I sprang from the bed but tripped on a ladder.
How did that get there? Oops, I've forgotten!
Out of mind now that I've stepped on somethin' rotten!

I made my way through the debris on the floor,
And suddenly thought of what I needed some more . . .
I caught a glimpse of the new SLX30,
as my neighbour drove passed - it shure was purdy.

When much to my displeasure, who should appear,
but a little boy and his dog going through the garbage out rear.
He lifted the lid and it fell from his hand,
As he shouted with glee at what he thought was so grand . . .

"Look! Chicken and veggies! Plus hardly used sneakers!
And a portable stereo with tiny little speakers!
From the top of the pile, to the bottom of the can
Let's stash this away! Pack it away!" They took it and ran!

They went down the alley and got quite a-ways,
When suddenly they stopped and seemed in a daze.
The boy looked down at all the things in his sack,
Guilt crossed his face; then he turned to bring it all back.

And then, like a tickle, a thought entered my head,
like a light breaking forth from a place that was dead.
It started out dimly, and got bright in a minute,
it grew and it grew, until my heart was committed.

I looked - he was dressed in rags from his head to his foot,
and his clothes were all tarnished with ashes and soot.
An ill-fitted jacket he had flung on his back,
and I knew he was homeless, carrying that pack.

But his eyes, how they twinkled when he saw those treasures,
in our trash heap of all places - oh what measures!
I realized, then, that he doesn't get many meals,
my head fell, unable to imagine how that must feel.

Shame coursed through my veins as I thought of our stuff,
I couldn't take it anymore, so I shouted, "Enough!".
We have and we have, and then want even more,
we have run out of places to keep it and store.

He was skinny and alone, with no place to stay,
a tear spilled from my eye as I was convicted that day;
We weren't any happier because of these things,
It is what we can . . . give . . . that happiness brings.

He spoke not a word, but went straight to his work,
And re-filled the trash can, before he turned with a jerk.
But I was down the stairs quickly and flew out of the door,
I desperately shouted, "Wait! We have so much more!"

"We have clothes and food and things that we waste,
Please come in from the cold, let us make haste."
Instead he gently urged, then vanished from sight,
"Give a happy Christmas to all, and to all a good life."

An original adaption by Deena Cottingham
Based on, "'Twas the night before Christmas" by Clement C. Moore

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Clutter and "stuff" (especially around the holidays) is an on-going battle in our household. We've evolved and made changes to how we choose to celebrate, reward and purchase throughout the years--admittedly, on a rather small scale. I lay awake the other night thinking about this issue and got inspired to write this.

We received the World Vision catalog in the mail, and my kids decided that we should all chip in for several gifts this holiday season (Canada, US & international). There are many other people and organizations, even in our own backyards, that are also worthy of being remembered.

Happy Thanksgiving to my American friends.

Deena Cottingham

GreenApple Staging & Images
Serving Calgary and Okotoks, Alberta

Home Staging in Thousand Oaks, CA

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 21:36:44 -0600

Smart Sellers and Realtors in today's market are calling on the services of Professional Home Stagers. In the Los Angeles and Ventura County areas, they are calling Platinum Home Staging, Inc.

This beautiful, new construction home has just recently been listed for sale in Thousand Oaks, CA. A unique property for the Conejo Valley, this home has 300 degree, unobstructed views and expansive entertaining areas. But this Seller was smart and knew that this vacant, raw space needed to be warmed up, brought to life and needed to bring the Buyers in!

Here are just a few before and after photos of this property which was Staged in just ONE DAY by Platinum Home Staging, Inc.

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Platinum Home Staging, Inc. does Home Staging, and SO much more! Even if you're not selling your house, why not make it look like a model home? Call Platinum Home Staging, Inc. the only preffered Interior Design Company endorsed by Pottery Barn in Southern CA, (805) 553-9952

Serving Ventura County and Greater Los Angeles Areas:Los Angeles, Los Feliz, Hollywood, Hancock Park, Sherman Oaks, Encino, Canoga Park, Van Nuys, West Hills, Northridge, Simi Valley, Moorpark, Wood Ranch, Thousand Oaks, Calabasas, Oak Park, Agoura Hills, Westlake Village, Newbury Park, Camarillo, Oxnard, Ventura, Santa Barbara, Malibu

A "Custom Home" Can Still be Hard to Sell

Mon, 16 Nov 2009 10:50:00 -0600

"Custom" seems to be a buzz word when selling a home in any market; "Custom Home", "Custom Finishes" or "Custom Designed".... Usually this means, "Not a tract home that looks like every third house on the street", however it can also mean, "Designed for a specific taste, which you may love...or not".

Builders like to add those one-of-a-kind touches to their properties to give them that WOW factor, to set them apart and make them memorable. This can definitely work for them, and sometimes against them when selling the home.

If you were a Buyer and saw the picture above, would you know that it was the Formal Dining room? How would YOU feel about it? Would you consider setting up an appointment to go see the rest of the house, or would this be a "deal breaker"? In the Interior Design world this would be a LOVELY addition to a home, and personally one that I got very excited about. However, when stepping back and looking at it with an unbiased eye, it may be very over powering to most buyers and they would not know what to do with such an architectural feature.

To see how Platinum Home Staging, Inc. transformed this room into a showpiece selling point, click here.

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Wordless Wednesday: This MLS PIC Will Leave You Speechless

Tue, 03 Nov 2009 23:34:34 -0600

Platinum Home Staging, Inc.

The Holidays are Coming! The Holidays are Coming! So are your GUESTS!

Sun, 01 Nov 2009 10:51:24 -0600

Now that the holidays are officially upon us, now is the time to really start preparing your home for your holiday guests. Do you have a "guest bedroom" that looks more like an office? A storage room? A gym? The last thing you will want is to be running around frantically at the last-minute trying to transform that "room" into a Guest Suite you will be proud to present to your visiting loved ones.

You have enough on your plate already! With planning holiday meals, making travel arrangements, the kid's school holiday programs, gift shopping, work ... where on earth are you going to find the time to organize, empty or decorate a room in your house in the next couple of weeks, and on a budget?! Now is the time to releave yourself of this stress and call in the services of a Professional Home Stager.

Experienced, Professional Home Stagers are experts at using what you already have, embellishing with things you may consider buying and storage solutions and options that will put your mind, and your Guests, at ease. If you are in the Los Angeles or Ventura County areas, call Platinum Home Staging, Inc. to get your Guest Room ready for your family and friends in as little as 2 weeks. Platinum Home Staging, Inc. can also help you decorate your entire home for the holidays or special event as well. Call us today to schedule a FREE in home estimate at (805) 553-9952

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A Great Tool to Help Your Client Visualize Paint Colors

Sat, 24 Oct 2009 16:20:56 -0500

Have you seen this? It may not be new to you, but it was definitely new to me, so it must be new to some ~ so I have to share!

I found them at my local Hardware Store in the paint section offered for FREE from Valspar Paints. They are clear velums with various neutral room decors, and you simply slide your paint chips behind the different areas to show how the colors will work together in different spaces.

Not as good as virtual painting but fast and easy and much more convincing to the eye when you don't have your laptop or programs handy with you when meeting clients.

I found them to be particularly handy just this past week when meeting with an young couple who just bought their first home and gutted EVERYTHING! It's hard to visualize paint colors when you're wearing a dust mask and walls are coming down. These really helped my clients see how paint colors in different rooms will effect the mood and feel of the house, as well as picking out accent colors without the worry of choosing the wrong colors.

From paint colors, to place settings, Platinum Home Staging, Inc.is your complete Interior Design and Home Staging company. The only Preferred Interior Design Company endorsed by Pottery Barn in Southern California serving Santa Barbara to Los Angeles and everything in between.

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Platinum Home Staging, Inc. does Home Staging, and SO much more! Even if you're not selling your house, why not make it look like a model home? Call Platinum Home Staging, Inc. for an Interior Design Consultation at (805) 553-9952 Our Staging and Interior Designs are Platinum!

Serving Ventura County and Greater Los Angeles Areas: Los Angeles, Los Feliz, Hollywood, Hancock Park, Sherman Oaks, Encino, Canoga Park, Van Nuys, West Hills, Northridge, Simi Valley, Moorpark, Wood Ranch, Thousand Oaks, Calabasas, Oak Park, Agoura Hills, Westlake Village, Newbury Park, Camarillo, Oxnard, Ventura, Santa Barbara, Malibu

Home Staging a 100 Year Old House - and a Nod to the Present

Sat, 17 Oct 2009 19:01:23 -0500

Most would like to think that most homes in Hollywood have a "history" of some sort of a famous person who once lived in them. Truth be told, most that did have a "history" have been either torn down completely or remodeled beyond recognition. This house, however, is one of the originals: almost 100 years old and was home to a famous 1930's Starlet by the name of Helen Twelvetrees.

However, the way her past home had been marketed by FOUR different Brokers/Realtors over the past TWO YEARSI think would make Ms. Twelvetrees roll over. Realtor # 5 was the smart one and called upon Platinum Home Staging, Inc. to make this home shine like a brand new listing.

Is this the Dining Room? Nooo, This is the Dining Room!

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Is this the Dining Room? Nooo, This is the Sun Room!

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Is this the Master Suite? Nooo, This is the Master Suite!

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For two years, this was the 3rd bedroom? No Guessing about it now!

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For two years, this was the Living Room Now it screams

Not that there was anything "wrong" with it. Look at me now!

I think Ms. Twelvetrees would be proud

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Platinum Home Staging, Inc. Home Staging Los Angeles, Los Feliz, Hollywood, Hancock Park, Sherman Oaks, Encino, Canoga Park, Van Nuys, West Hills, Northridge, Simi Valley, Moorpark, Wood Ranch, Thousand Oaks, Calabasas, Oak Park, Agoura Hills, Westlake Village, Newbury Park, Camarillo, Oxnard, Ventura, Santa Barbara, Malibu

Home Staging gets it SOLD in 48 days, when avg D.O.M. is 146 - take THAT nay-sayers of Staging!

Mon, 28 Sep 2009 19:28:29 -0500

Remember this house? Appropriately dubbed the "House of Doors", doors, and more doors!

Yes, the same house that also had a bath tub immediately adjacent to the master BED (not room, BED)

Yes, the very same house with oddities such THIS ?!?!

Well, nay-sayers of Home Staging, I am here to state that even though the average days on the market for this BEACH community is 146 days - this one is under escrow in just 48 days AFTER Staging! HA!

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DON'T do the "free scan" scam for a virus!!!

Mon, 21 Sep 2009 09:47:18 -0500

MANY of us use Google or Yahoo notifications to scan the Internet for specific topics or keywords. Mine are pretty basic: Home Staging, Staging Homes, Connie Tebyani, Platinum Home Staging, etc

IF YOU RECEIVED A GOOGLE ALERT OVER THE WEEKEND FOR HOME STAGING, AND IF/WHEN YOU TRIED TO OPEN THE WEBSITE LINK YOU MAY HAVE GOTTEN A POP-UP WINDOW THAT READ SOMETHING TO THE EFFECT OF:

"YOUR COMPUTER HAS COME IN CONTACT WITH A VIRUS WHICH MY BE HARMFUL OR EFFECT YOUR COMPUTER. WE WILL PERFORM A FREE SCAN NOW"

DON'T DO IT!!!!

There are hackers out of Europe that use popular keywords to get their ranking right to the front of Google search. What happens is that when you click this "free scan", this is actually when they are PLANTING THE VIRUS! In a few weeks from now, your computer WILL begin to have problems, and you WILL have to clean the virus. At which point a very timely new pop-up will say, "You have bee effected, to clean you computer of this virus, please pay $69.99...." or whatever their price may be.

DON'T do the free scan - it's a SCAM

If you have any firewalls, Norton, McCafee or any other virus protection you should have been notified of the "virus" before clicking on any internet website link. I just so hapened to be listening to Leo Laporte (the Tech Guy) last Sunday when he talked about this very issue, and I received it twice this weekend! Be safe!

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Platinum Home Staging, Inc.

Dear Mr. Seller, I TRIED to Help You, but ...

Tue, 15 Sep 2009 19:29:41 -0500

This could not have been said any better. If you're a Seller that is even the slightest bit curious about Home Staging, or your Realtor is not a "believer" then call Platinum Home Staging, Inc.

Via Maureen Bray ~ Home Stager Portland OR ~ Room Solutions Staging (Staging that Sells Portland Homes):

Dear Mr. Seller,

You contacted my company 3 months ago and requested a staging proposal for your home. It's in a premier Portland neighborhood and you said you knew it needed some help before listing. You'd already bought another home and were packing up your things to move out in a few days.

When I arrived to view your home, it was surprising to see a huge pool table in your dining room! We laughed together about that and also the long heavy dark velvet drapes! Your home needed major cleaning and packing up of many small items. I knew we could help you!

We'd be able to work with most of your furniture that you'd be leaving behind, and we'd provide the necessary missing pieces as well as accessories, art, trees & plants, etc. as needed. We discussed that if we were going to work together, I'd give you a detailed list that would include which furniture pieces to leave behind as well as some easy cosmetic improvements that you could do yourself.

You told me that your listing agent did not believe in home staging. I was surprised to hear this, because I thought that your home was one of the better candidates for staging that I've seen this year, but I kept my opinion to myself. I told you that our company keeps track of our staging statistics, and we're proud of them. I knew we could help you!

Later that day I emailed you a very cost-effective proposal that included staging your home using your items and providing quality furniture & accessories from our inventory. We'd stage your home to make it appealing to your target buyer. Our proposal also included quality digital photos for the online listing ... critical in today's challenging market. I knew we could help you!

Later, I was disappointed that you decided not to stage your home. Looking at the online listing, it was a shock to see the photos of your home! They are dark, out of focus, crooked, and don't show the best features of your home. I won't show them here because that would not be discreet, but I noticed the heavy velvet drapes are still there, and your furniture is not in the right position to showcase the space. The photos are about the worst I've seen. I knew we could have helped you!

After 6 weeks on the market I noticed that you took a $30,000 price reduction! After another 4 weeks, I saw that your price had now dropped $50,000!   Hmmm ... your agent discouraged you from staging (even though you would have paid for it) but has no problem recommending that you drop your price by $50K?

Wow! Staging your home with a professional staging company would have cost a tiny fraction of your first price reduction -- but you decided to drop your price by $50,000 instead.   How does that make sense from a financial viewpoint?

The sad thing is, today I drove by your home again on my way to staging one of your neighbor's homes, and saw the new addition now hanging from your "For Sale" sign ...

Mr. Seller ~ We really did try to help you! I wish we could have.

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For help making sure your home shines for potential buyers, contact Room Solutions Staging in Portland OR to learn more about our home staging services. We work with Homeowners, Banks, Realtors, and Investors to prepare homes to SELL. Give us a call at 503-246-1800 for more information. Room Solutions ~ Staging that Sells Portland Homes.
       Staging that sells Portland homes!

If You Don't Respect Your Own Business, Then Why Should Your Customers?

Fri, 04 Sep 2009 16:53:02 -0500

I've heard it time and time again. It typically starts out with "Business is slow..." and is usually followed up with, "It must be the economy." or "People just don't get it." (refering to the service they are selling). Now, I can't speak for other industries, but I'll share my experience of what I do know, what we all have been hearing and why it seems that I have been hearing it more and more.

Without showing my age (too much), long before I entered into Home Staging and Interior Design I worked for MANY years as a Human Resource Manager, Recruiter and Trainer for an Interntionally known "jeans & t-shirt" retailer (as well as many more before THAT) and I can't tell you how many times I wanted to slap the head of a teenager who would come to our "jeans & t-shirt establishment" for a JOB INTERVIEW in a tank top and flip flops and think that it was "ok".

That being said; why then do some "Professionals" feel it is acceptable to do the same when they are grown adults? If you cannot get to a meeting in decent attire then what is that saying about YOU and more importantly, YOUR COMPANY? Especially in a profession such as Home Staging where we often toute, "Your home gets one chance to make a great 1st impression." And this little rant of advice goes beyond mere image.

However, I have been told by two recent clients that the reason Platinum Home Staging, Inc. was awarded the job was because of how we came to the first meeting, or interview, with the Home Owners. Yes, we dress up just as if we were going to a job interview - because we ARE. One Seller even commented, and I quote: "The 'other' stager looked like she was in her pajamas and I didn't think we'd be able to get the home staged at the level we would like it be because of the way she presented herself." YOU only get one chance to make that great 1st impression, not only for YOU, but for your COMPANY!

If you didn't get the chance to read the comment left by Erik Hitzelberger in this blog post please do so. He says that 5 of 7 Home Stagers NEVER EVEN RETURNED HIS CALLS?!?!?! Maybe they are already out of business, and if they are not then they soon will be. Unfortunately I personally have heard this from a Realtor who's Sellers were willing to pay a premium price for our services to Stage a home since we had to travel outside of our normal service area. Why? Because THEY had called several Stagers, and THEY never got a return call either. Unfortunately, when I did try to refer them to Stagers in their area, 2 of the 3 were companies they themselves had already attempted to contact. What's the point of having a business if you can't ever answer your phone or check your voice mail? If you're too busy, at least call the client and let them know. If you are no longer in business, disconnect the number and stop advertising. If you are going out of town, update your voice mail to say so and when you will be returning.

Time is Money we all know it, we live by it, most industries charge by it. So why then would you show up to a meeting late? I try to make a point of always being early to appointments and nobody KNOWS traffic, like us in Los Angeles KNOW traffic - but you know what I'll admit it, I LOST a bid recently because I was late. And you know what, I deserved to lose that bid. That poor Realtor took time out of his busy day to meet ME and I was late - serves me right! On the other hand, I learned my lesson and on another recent bid I was 10 minutes early. The Seller specifically said that I was awarded the job, "Because in the land of late, you were early."

OK, lastly I have to mention websites. I do NOT have the most professional, glitzy nor glamorous website on the web. What I DO have a pretty darn good SEO and Google juice (might I add I designed and maintain my website MYSELF from scratch) and I am updating it constantly. As Stagers we are constantly mentioning how Buyers shop the internet for homes first, well you know what? They shop the Internet for Home Stagers first to! One local Home Stager website has a picture of the Owner in a strappy tank top, floppy sun hat with dark sunglasses and shorts. Now I'm just saying, but I felt like hanging a sign around her neck that reads, "Would you hire me?". You also need to make sure that YOUR website photos are of your best Staging work and that they are updated frequently WITH YOUR OWN WORK. Don't just throw up some pictures and think that you're "done" - your website is your virtual business card.

This blog is NOT a rant. I am just trying to put it out there that YOUR BUSINESS and success of it is completely in YOUR CONTROL! If you can't respect your own business, then why should your clients? Just my $.02 spend it how you wish.

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Home Staging a Santa Monica Mid-Century Modern

Sun, 23 Aug 2009 18:46:46 -0500

This Home Staging was a FUN one! Platinum Home Staging, Inc. has Staged MANY homes, but it had been SO-O long since we had done a mid-century modern style, that quite frankly we couldn't even find the pictures in our back-up hard drive. Since that time we have also greatly increased our inventory and found some additionally fabulous vendors that really helped to make this Home Staging SING!

Click on the picture to be transported to this Mid Century Modern Home Staging in Santa Monica, CA

One of the most important aspects to consider when hiring a Professional Home Stager is to ensure that they have the knowledge and experience to Stage to the style and/or period of your home. Every home is different, the Buying Demographics are different to each area as well. Platinum Home Staging, Inc. is your Home Staging Company with the experience, knowledge and expertise to effectively Stage your house to the architecture of the home and demographics of the BUYER.

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Sometimes Home Staging Involves Simple Mathematics

Sun, 23 Aug 2009 18:35:56 -0500

Sometimes Home Staging can be simple mathematics: addition and subtraction. In this case, Platinum Home Staging, Inc. was called by the Home Owners to Stage their beautiful newly constructed Tuscan Villa located on the Westlake Village Island. They needed additional space for their additional grandchildren to come visit (seems they hadn't thought about their children multiplying so quickly).

So to maximize the results of the equation, we stuck to simple mathematics:

By subtracting the negative spaces and clutter, and adding drama and focal points.

To get more information and pitcures of this amazing property in Westlake village, click here,

to see a complete before and after transformation of our Home Staging, click here.

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Is Home Staging a "Magic Pill"?

Sun, 16 Aug 2009 09:50:05 -0500

Maybe, maybe not - but it sure can save you a LOT of headaches and aspirin!

Does Home Staging involve swallowing a big pill? Comments on a previous blog post raised my level of thinking about how the Home Staging industry is perceived, and you can read what prompted this blog post in the comments here. Now I've never personally touted that Home Staging is THE "Magic Pill" to sell a home faster in today's market, however I do firmly believe that it has certainly helped the properties which we have Staged sell MUCH more quickly. So why is accepting Home Staging as a viable tool to selling Real Estate such a hard pill to swallow for some?

Some say, "You don't need to Stage; just paint & declutter" OK, well painting and decluttering IS Staging! Although this is just the first step, but a Professional Home Stager wouldn't advise a Seller to paint every wall white and simply telling a Seller to "declutter" is like plopping them down in front of a TV with static on the screen. They don't know what "declutter" means - most think it simply means putting their shoes away into a closet. Most Sellers don't realize that to "declutter" really means to begin packing their priceless shotglass collection. Start taking some aspirin, your up-hill battle has just begun.

Some say, "You don't need to Stage; just have your carpets cleaned" OK, well cleaning your carpets IS Staging. But what if the smell of the 3 cats and 2 dogs isn't removed by "cleaning". The Seller may have just pulled out their handy dirt devil carpet cleaner & spray solutions to get rid of the "spots". Even worse, what if you're not comfortable telling your Seller that you can STILL smell their "kids" ~ a Professional Home Stager would know exactly what to tactfully say, and save you a few more aspirin.

Some say, "You don't need to Stage; just clean." Now, the picture to the left may startle you, I know. But again, clean to someone who looks at something every day this might be clean, but to another person it may be very off-putting.

When selling a home, cleaning to one person is pulling out a dust rag, to Buyers cleaning means "sparkling". Get the cobwebs down from the corners, dust the tops of all the doors and ceiling fans, bleach your bathrooms, tile and grout.... THIS IS Staging. Do you really want to have to spend your valuable time arranging for cleaning services? I've even seen some Realtors pull out a paint roller - your time is much more valuable than that.

Some say, "You don't need to Stage; just open the blinds." This IS Staging, but a Professional Home Stager will be able to take it one step further and be able to explain to your Seller that they should take down their "expensive floral drapes" that they endear to have them cleaned and packed and to maybe even have installed in their next new home - all while enhancing the view to the beautiful park across the street. This IS Staging.

Some say, "You don't need to Stage; the house will speak for itself." You're right, the house can and will speak volumes if it has an awkward floor plan with 10 doors & entrances to one room, or an open floor plan bathroom in the middle of the master bedroom "suite". Calling it a "suite" doesn't make the Buyer feel any better when they can't imagine sleeping next to a bath tub. A Professional Home Stager will be able to make the space MAKE SENSE to a Buyer, this IS Staging.

Some may even say, "You don't need to hire a Home Stager; I CAN DO IT FOR YOU." Personally for me, this is a right-brain / left-brain thing. Some can do this, most can not: stick to what you know, and what you do well. You may have been through 500 Home Inspections, but that doesn't give you the expertise to practice the trade - just like most Home Stagers would have NO IDEA how to write an offer, or follow up on contingencies, many Realtors think "staging" is just putting furniture into an empty room. See the difference?

Some say, "You don't need to Stage; it's too expensive and price will sell anything." Here's where you may very well be wrong. Staging does not have to be expensive, most Home Stagers have several different options to fit most budgets. And price may NOT sell anything. If two properties are competing for the same Buyer, why would they take your overflowing closets, dirty walls, smelly carpet, cobwebs, and awkward floor plans over the clean, bright, inviting home down the street. Even if priced below the competition, Buyers will see your dirty smelly, awkward home as a money pit that will cost $20,000 to make it "livable". Today's Buyer doesn't want an allowence either. Most Buyers are willing to up their buying power by $20,000 for the home that is already move-in ready so that THEY don't need to take aspirin. This IS Staging.

Have some of you actually taken a LOOK at some of the photos presented on the Internet of your Listed Homes? I guess you should just IGNORE that the NAR says that OVER 87% of Buyers "shop" the Internet first before they physically go see homes and will "pass" on any listing which did not immediately connect with them visually during their virtual "hunt". Home Staging will ensure that Buyers will want to come SEE your home or listing. Staging will ensure that there is a higher interest in your home or listing. Isn't that your JOB as a Realtor? To bring in AS MANY prospective Buyers as possible? THIS IS HOME STAGING

Still don't believe me? Here is a Buyers Perspective

Platinum Home Staging, Inc.

Of the hundreds of homes on the market in your area,

How will your home compete?

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And a 1, and a 2, and a........!!!!!!

Fri, 07 Aug 2009 10:04:21 -0500

Recently I posted a blog about a rather awkward location for a "door" in a home we recently Staged in Oxnard, CA Mandalay Beach. The Owner had aptly dubbed the home, "the house of doors" and she hit the nail on the head.

The following is a series of pictures ALL from the SAME ROOM - which happens to be the first room & first impression of the home ~ The ENTRY! Count 'em with me: and a 1, and a 2, and........yes, there are 10 doors/entrances into this ONE room.

#1 - Coat Closet

#2 - FRONT DOOR to home

#3 - One of two entrances to garage

#4 - Another closet

#5 - Second entrance to tandem garage

#6 - Storage closet

#7 - Sliding door to a tiny court yard

#8 - Yet another storage closet

But wait, we're not done!

#9 - Hallway to the Guest Bedrooms

Yes, a Fireplace to boot

#10 - Stairs leading to the 2nd floor

WHEW!

You certainly can't say that this house doesn't have enough storage!

Platinum Home Staging, Inc.

A Glimpse Into What Goes On Behind the "Scenes"

Thu, 06 Aug 2009 10:48:31 -0500

We recently Staged a beautiful, architectural home in Oxnard, CA. The home had been on the market for a time with little interest, so the Owners & Realtor called Platinum Home Staging, Inc. to come in, Stage the home and make sense of it's awkward floor plan.

However, the Owners wanted to be present while we worked our magic. We politely explained that they would probably get a bit overwhelmed by everything that goes on "behind the scenes" as we Staged the home, and it would better to come back for the "big reveal" later that day.

But for those interested, here is a sneak-peak "behind the scenes" of just one room in the home. You'll notice the gradual progression of furniture, accessory bins, placements, etc. It was hard to get the pictures lined up to match perfectly, and even harder to remember to take the pictures randomly through-out the day.

ENJOY the voyerism into Staging a Home!

Platinum Home Staging, Inc. Serving Ventura County and Greater Los Angeles Areas:Los Angeles, Los Feliz, Hollywood, Hancock Park, Sherman Oaks, Encino, Canoga Park, Van Nuys, West Hills, Northridge, Simi Valley, Moorpark, Wood Ranch, Thousand Oaks, Calabasas, Oak Park, Agoura Hills, Westlake Village, Newbury Park, Camarillo, Oxnard, Ventura, Santa Barbara, Malibu

The Sins Of A Seller

Thu, 23 Jul 2009 11:04:11 -0500

Realtors, Sellers - This is straight from the Buyer's Mouth

Via Clint Miller (Real Estate Client Referrals, LLC):

Many of you know that I recently bought a home.

And, for those of you that don’t know that I recently bought a home…I recently bought a home. Here’s proof.

Although we are very happy with our home we did purchase, during this process, I happened to notice that as we viewed house after house, I kept seeing the same things happen over and over. And….not good things. Bad things. Bad things that were blatantly obvious to me. Bad things that literally turned me off. Bad things that were keeping this otherwise fine house I was standing in from selling faster.

So, as we went through the homes, I started keeping track of things that I saw that made the average buyer – ME – want to run away screaming. Here is my “Top 10 Seller Sins”:

1. Addition Addiction – Ok…exactly what were these people thinking when they added this addtion to their home?? It isnt level. The door frame isnt square. And, that simulated wood-grain indoor/outdoor burber carpeting is HIDEOUS!! Wasn’t this were the garage should be anyway?? I guess that explains the severely sun-faded paint job on the Sport Family Truckster in the driveway and the Christmas decorations piled floor-to-ceiling in the closet in the spare bedroom. I don’t care what anyone says…Bigger is NOT always better.

2. The “Pet-Owner Moaner” – The over-all assumption that since the seller loves their pets more than chocolate, so does everyone else. Here are a couple of quotes I heard directly from the sellers mouths: “Awwww, my cat must really like you to nestle into your neck like that.”; “I know he looks big, but he is really just a teddy bear.”; “We were able to clean up everything in the house except the cat room.”; “I cant remember if my son put away the ferrets or not, but feel free to look around downstairs.”
a. Ok…first and foremost, Im allergic to cats. I don’t mean that cats make me sneeze. I mean that I quit breathing and require adrenallin shots to keep from dieing. That thing is lucky I didn’t toss it out the open window that was next to me.
b. The “teddy bear” they were referring to…Yeah, that was a 158lb Rotweiller with a googlie eye and a broken tooth on the right side. His chain was tied to a cinder block that he happily drug around and tossed into the air during “playtime”.
c. The “cat room”??? Oh Lord in heaven!!!
d. If you cant figure out if your son left out a pack of rodents in the dark rooms down the creaky stairs without a safety rail and a working light switch, you can be damn sure Im not going to find out for you.

3. Auditory Unawareness – If you cant hear that your refridgerator is making a clicking noise that can be heard from the front yard, Im fairly sure you cant hear the floorboards creaking, the doors squeaking, or the apparent family of raccoons living in the attic. You also only hear what you want to hear. Instead of “Your house is priced too high”, you hear “Your house is of a high value”. Its not the same. Pay attention!

4. Color Blind – Holy Lord!! Who decorated this place?? Its like Andy Worhol threw his color pallet into a Cuisinart and hit ‘liquify’. The fuscia flower print wallpaper needs to go. And, I don’t carew what you say, it doesn’t do any justice to that wall with the fake woodgrain panelling it joins up to by the sunshine yellow couch. Worse yet…the white cabinets, white-washed walls, white countertops, and white tile is just a bit much.

5. “Take it or leave it” – Yup. Heard that come right out of a seller’s own mouth. We were discussing the possiblity of him making a necessary repair to a sliding glass door that lead out to a deck. Between the glass panes was about half an inch of standing water. Obviously, the seals on the window were compromised. When asked if he would spend the money to get the glass replaced and the seales re-done…or just replace the entire door…that was the response I got. Guess what…I left it.

6. Price-itis – The fear that your home wont sell for the price you are asking for it. I put in an offer on a home that was only $5,000 under what was being asked. The counter came back with a reduction of $1,000, but a clause to pay $4,000 in closing costs. Now, I may be bad at math…but, isnt that the same damn thing????

7. Fried Food Funk – You know what Im talking about here. If you can smell it, you won’t sell it. Bottom line here is that fried food smells, kitty litter, a back yard filled with dog crap, a nursery reaking of dirty diapers, etc…all add up to one thing – a very short showing. (Well, it also leads to gagging, shortness of breath, tears streaming down your face, and everyone skrunching up their nose and making that internationally known face that says, “Do you SMELL that???”)

8. Photog Fog – Everyone should take pride in their family photographs. I do. But, Im not trying to sell my house! I went into one home where, I kid you not, the entire living walls…every square inch…was covered in frame pics of family. There must have been 100 pictures in that room. Frames mounted together like a patchwork quilt of memories and bad matting jobs. Love the sentiment…love the family pride. But, I was COMPLETELY distracted from seeing the actual house.

9. “I collect them” – No kidding, really??? Nothing would have made me realize you collect dolls were it not for the fact that Im now suddenly very aware of the fact that 226 eyes are now following me through your house like Chucky with an ax to grind. Yeah, I couldn’t tell that you collect Vegas casino ash trays since they are on every flat surface in your entire house including 4 separate 6-ft tall bookshelves, your coffee table, the top of your TV, the end-tables, and the extra two shelves that you put up encircling the entire living room. But, worse than that, you have them on your toilet tank, your dresser…and in an amazing twist, you have drilled holes in them and replaced half of the doorknobs in your house with them. In case your agent hasn’t told you this….PACK THIS CRAP UP!

10. Livin in the past – I don’t care what you think, the pea soup green shag carpeting is not coming back in style. And, regardless of how many memories are associated with it, the nine-foot long, hunter orange, faux-leather couch on the wooden legs with the sleigh-style arms on the each end is FREAKING UGLY!! Regardless of whether or not they still work, the matching avocado green stove, fridge, and counter tops are ugly…and they are ugly 24/7/365. If you want to move this house…replace this ferocious eyesore. Better yet…HIRE A HOME STAGER!

Yeah, selling a house is hard. Selling a house in the market is harder. Selling one of THESE houses with a seller that sins like this…nearly impossible. Sellers, if you are reading this…listen to your agents. Agents, if you are reading this…make sure your sellers understand that buyers – like me – will look at these like neither of you know what you are doing and act accordingly. Probably by running away quick.

If you would like more information about Real Estate Client Referrals and how we can send you more clients to work with, please contact Clint Miller at 800-977-7058. Or, follow me on twitter www.twitter.com/TheRealClint.

Platinum Home Staging, Inc. is now an exclusive Interior Design Company for Pottery Barn!

Mon, 20 Jul 2009 17:40:22 -0500

Pottery Barn & PHS, Inc. have joined forces!

Platinum Home Staging, Inc. is now the exclusive Interior Design Company for Pottery Barn, a Williams & Sanoma Company.

Serving the Los Angeles and Ventura County areas

Platinum Home Staging, Inc. will now assist all Pottery Barn clients and customers with all of their Interior Decor needs and dilemmas.

Not sure what paint color to choose?

Unsure if the couch you want will fit in your space?

What about bedding and towels or placement of accessories and artwork?

To find out more click here!

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Revamp Your Pillow Inventory for ZERO Dollars!!!

Mon, 13 Jul 2009 17:03:46 -0500

We all have them. Piles of pillows that are either old, stained, faded or we bought for our inventory, "because they were such a great price" yet never to be used in an actual home. You know what I'm talking about. Don't deny it.

But here is an "A-HA!" moment I wanted to share.

For ZERO $$$, I practiced what I preach and used my good ol' fashion elbow greese (and a sewing machine) to revamp my pillow inventory rather than toss them, buy new slip covers or even to donate them only to then have to go BUY even more pillows.

Recently while at my local Upholstery Vendor, I asked if he had any scraps. You know; the left over yardage of fabrics that are from the end of the bolt when doing large projects - his eyes lit up and he directed me to a HUGE shelving unit filled with scraps.

"You can have them!" he exclaimed - then it was ME who lit up and my brain started working wonders.

A few days later and after a few hours of sewing: I have an entirely new inventory of pillows.

A few tips to get the biggest bang for your buck:

1) Make the pillows reversible with different, but complimentary, fabrics on each side.

2) Plan out what sizes you have in your current pillow inventory and see which fabrics you can get the most out of.

There was even enough of some fabrics to make an entire Twin bed set! =D

Happy Sewing...I mean Staging!

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I Have Some Twitter-ific Referrals! Are You a Home Stager in These Areas?!

Wed, 08 Jul 2009 08:55:40 -0500

If you're not on Twitter: You should be

If you're not following me on Twitter: You should be

WHY? Because although I have a relatively small following of only about 750 +/- "Followers" enough of them have been Following me long enough to know that Home Staging WORKS, that Home Staging is EFFECTIVE, and have been following me enough to know that they need to PARTNER with a Home Stager.

Convinced so much so, that they have personally asked Yours Truly to get them referrals of Professional Home Stagers in their areas!!! That's right, unfortunately they are both in areas of the country that no-way-no-how would I be able to do myself ~ so I'm turning to all my Staging Professional Friends here in ActiveRain.

The reason I mentioned that you SHOULD be on Twitter (if you're not), and that you should be FOLLOWING me on Twitter (if you're not) because this is going to be the venue for getting you in touch with these particular referrals.

The first one is a Home Owner in Florence, SC

The second is a Realtor in Southlake, TX (services the Dallas, Fort Worth areas)

Obviously I don't want to just put their information out there for everyone to pounce on - so if you are a PROFESSIONAL Home Stager that services the following areas, please let me know either in your comment or through a direct message.

Happy Staging!

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Is Luck a Lady? - I'm beginning to think it might be!

Fri, 03 Jul 2009 10:33:49 -0500

Superstition - it runs rampant in our society. Whether it's a rabbit's foot, a four leaf clover, a horse shoe... maybe even "lucky underwear", a good portion of the population has some kind of personal "lucky charm".

Home Staging Professionals seem to be no different. Some have their "lucky red couch" while others have "lucky artwork", floral arrangements or even butterflies. I was beginning to think that I didn't have anything "lucky" per-say, truth be told I hadn't really had much time to think about it since our inventory is moving from one house to another so quickly, and we mix and match everything for every house.... However, I think I found our Muse, a "Lady".

Remember this picture not so long ago?

Many viewers here in the Rain raved about this painting and how beautiful it is. It dawned on me yesterday as I was delivering it to my Seller's new home (Yes, the Seller of this home loved it so much herself that she bought it)... I was going to miss my "Lady Painting". She had seen me through so much.

Like this home in Thousand Oaks that sold with multiple offers...

Or this home in Los Feliz that sold in 5 days

Then I thought to myself, "OH NO! Did I just SELL my LUCKY CHARM?! My 'Lucky Lady' painting?!"

Good thing I had 2 in my inventory - it will just be harder to convince my husband that it HAS to be removed from our living room to sell my next Staged Home.

Do you have a "lucky charm"?

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Platinum Home Staging, Inc.

Home Staging in Los Feliz, CA

Tue, 30 Jun 2009 23:26:04 -0500

We've been so busy lately that I've become a little behind on posting some of our pictures on projects we've been working on. So to catch up (a little) this is a home in Los Feliz, CA we Staged (a couple weeks ago - I told you I'm behind)

This classic, 4 bedroom 4 1/2 bath hill side Los Feliz home has BILLION dollar, 300 degree views from three of the four floors (yes, 4 floors, not including a possible roof top deck) All we can say is thank goodness it has an elevator. Currently listed at $1.6M

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Platinum Home Staging, Inc. Serving Ventura County and Greater Los Angeles Areas: Los Angeles, Los Feliz, Hollywood, Hancock Park, Sherman Oaks, Encino, Canoga Park, Van Nuys, West Hills, Northridge, Simi Valley, Moorpark, Wood Ranch, Thousand Oaks, Calabasas, Oak Park, Agoura Hills, Westlake Village, Newbury Park, Camarillo, Oxnard, Ventura, Santa Barbara, Malibu

A TRUE Side-by-Side Comparison ~ Westlake Village Home Staging

Mon, 08 Jun 2009 17:01:50 -0500

It was the best of times, It was the worst of times.....This is a tale of Two Condos and truly is a case of "All Things Being Equal" in terms of how Home Staging can GREATLY assist in selling your condo, home or estate. Well.... almost equal

In November 2008, two condos with the EXACT same floor plans were on the market and were just 2 DOORS APART within the condo community in the highly sought after Westlake Village area. Both had 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, were 1,149 square feet, fireplace and both had HOA fees of $270 per month.

Condo #1 was actually listed in JUNE 2008 Condo #2 was listed on Oct 31, 2008

Condo #1 was actually FARTHER AWAY from Condo #2 was actually listed at a busy city street (less noise) and CLOSER to $10,000 HIGHER than Condo #1 the community pool

Condo #1 although clean, was left in "as is" condition Condo #2 embraced Home Staging

Results:

Condo #1: Priced lower & in "better" location was vacant & on the market since JUNE 2008, only just recently sold on May 5, 2009 for $392,500

Condo #2: was priced higher, embraced some minor upgrades and Home Staging - SOLD on December 4, 2008 for $412,500 (less than 5 weeks on the market)

The small investment in Home Staging can save you THOUSANDS of dollars in carrying costs, maintenance or marketing materials. Not including the mortgage fees, property taxes or special assessments of the HOA, the Owner of Condo #2 EARNED $22,700 by choosing to listen to their REALTOR and embrace Home Staging!

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Platinum Home Staging, Inc. Serving Ventura County and Greater Los Angeles Areas: Los Angeles, Los Feliz, Hollywood, Hancock Park, Sherman Oaks, Encino, Canoga Park, Van Nuys, West Hills, Northridge, Simi Valley, Moorpark, Wood Ranch, Thousand Oaks, Calabasas, Oak Park, Agoura Hills, Westlake Village, Newbury Park, Camarillo, Oxnard, Ventura, Santa Barbara, Malibu

Your BLOG Should Not Be Your WEBSITE

Fri, 05 Jun 2009 12:33:32 -0500

There seems to be some disconnect in today's Technological / Social Media age. The confusion seems to lie in that if you have a BLOG, you have a WEBSITE.

So many Entrepreneurs are beginning to advertise themselves using solely their blog AS their website. Countless times while wanting to investigate a local company about their services, specialize or professionalism, costs, etc... I click on what is labeled "website", only to be directed to their BLOG and finding that they think "trash cans should be red, not blue"....which leaves me scratching my head.

Let's break it down for those who may have jumped into this plethora of technological advancements not knowing the difference between a BLOG and a WEBSITE

A BLOG is an on-line "This is what I am THINKING, DOING or WORKING ON at this moment" It can make you a "specialist" per-say in your field of work, or simply make you the knowledgeable "go to" person in your neighborhood. A good example of this would be for a Realtor to BLOG, "Wow-look at the size of the portions at XYZ Restaurant in Anytown" or "Today's market values in LMO, EFG & RST cities". You can BLOG about your garden, your recent ReBarCamp or your latest success in your business. ActiveRain is an excellent forum for your BLOG.

A WEBSITE is all about YOU and/or your COMPANY and will usually be something along the lines of www.YourCompanyNameHere.com /.net or .org What are your services, specialties, contact information? More importantly your website tells your customers what you do! What can you offer a new client? What separates you from your competition? It should have lots of links and pages about YOUR SERVICES, maybe even your upfront costs or fees, etc. It might even have a link to your BLOG, but your website should not be about what color of Kleenex box you prefer or an open letter to a local vendor of your distaste for their services....

Still confused? I'll use my own company as an example:

Here is my BLOG (as well as the one you are currently engaged in)

Here is my WEBSITE

See the difference? BLOGS are informational (such as this one) but I wouldn't want for every customer who is interested in hiring me to Stage their home to be directed here FIRST. This should be secondary to the website showing what my SERVICES are, not what my OPINIONS are. Just my $.02 ~ take it for what it's worth.

Platinum Home Staging, Inc.